Thanks to the Baseball Hall of Fame who reminded me of this earlier today:
Today’s Date in History: 1981 – Los Angeles #Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela becomes the first rookie ever to win a Cy Young Award, edging Tom Seaver of the Cincinnati #Reds by a 70-67 margin for National League honors.
Seaver was 14-2 with the Reds in the strike shortened season, leading the league in wins and in winning percentage. That was the year that “Fernando-mania” was in full force, which I’m sure contributed to Valenzuela edging out 41.
seaver goes 7-1 in both halves. Fernando after the 8-0 start goes 5-7. era’s are close but Freddie gets him on innings and k’s. Dodgers did win the division. Valenzuela deserved teh award and this comes from a guy who’s handle is OSH41.
I think there was more of a beef from the Seaver camp FOR THE 71 CYA non win vs. Fergie jenkins. Seaver’s 71 was SICK.